On Tuesday, October 11th, public housing residents attended a city council hearing to oppose the proposed budget cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. If the proposed cuts are implemented, Chicago will lose an additional $28 million in 2012, after already losing $25.8 million in 2011. Thousands of units will be lost, while 68,000 families and seniors sit on CHA’s waiting list. Community Development Block Grants would be cut 12.3% compared to levels in 2010, a loss of $11 million in needed funding for homeless services, youth programs, violence prevention, and health clinics. For these devastating reasons, tenants testified against the cuts and their message was heard loud and clear. If the proposed cuts occur, essential services for those who need it most will be lost, the disparity of wealth will continue to grow, and housing conditions as well as stability will worsen. Thank you to everyone in attendance for coming out and showing your support for continued funding.
An article by the Chicago Reporter, “Next on the chopping block: $73 million in federal public housing money.”